Global Islamic banking assets were pegged at about $1.3trn in 2011 but are expected to rise to as much as $1.8trn by the end of 2013. As such, Islamic banks are seeking to diversify the sharia-compliant financial instruments they offer. Leaders throughout the region are starting to look toward sukuk, or Islamic bonds, for infrastructure finance as an aid to development, and while it is currently...
The Middle East
Displaying 1183 - 1188 of 1406
Chapter | Islamic Financial Services from The Report: Bahrain 2013
With its experienced workforce and historical connections to Saudi Arabia, the Bahrain banking sector has continued to be a key segment of the economy. Although retail banking in the kingdom was largely sheltered from the global economic crisis, the changing international landscape is driving financial institutions to explore new strategies, while the banking regulator is continuing efforts to...
Despite a number of notable uncertainties in the global economy, Bahrain’s economic outlook remains mostly positive. Largely insulated from international economic turmoil, the kingdom saw more than 6% GDP growth in 2008 and 3% in 2009. In 2012 the economy expanded at a rate of 3.4%, largely due to the robust private sector, which a number of government initiatives are aimed at supporting, such as...
Chapter | Country Profile from The Report: Bahrain 2013
Building on a centuries-old geostrategic advantage, Bahrain continues to increase its prominence within the region. Energy has given way to a well-regulated finance sector as a leading driver of GDP and wider economic growth. The government is investing heavily in several sectors, especially education and transport, as part of efforts to achieve the goals of its Economic Vision 2030. The GCC has...
Bahrain has remained largely insulated from international external risks and has weathered the global economic shocks of the recent past relatively well. At the height of the international financial downturn, for example, the kingdom avoided falling into recession and even achieved real GDP growth of more than 6% in 2008 and over 3% in 2009.
This chapter includes helpful information for visitors to Turkey, including information on society and etiquette, language, transport and visas. It also features a list of suggested hotels and contact information for various institutions, including government ministries, foreign consulates and embassies.